At the 2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference held in San Antonio, Texas, Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C, currently serving as president of SDPA, discussed significant mentorship opportunities and sessions at the event. In an interview with the HCPLive team, Vicari, who will continue her presidency until July 2026, emphasized the importance of the conference for physician associates (PAs) in dermatology.
Vicari expressed her aspiration to enhance the visibility of the Dermatology Physician Assistant Foundation (DPAF), stating, “A lot of people don’t know it exists, and that kind of hurts my heart. That’s where I started, with leadership in it.” She highlighted the foundation’s medical missions and community outreach initiatives, along with funding provided by the SDPA for PAs to conduct and publish research in The Journal of Dermatology for PAs (JDPA).
Introducing RISE Derm PA Program
A key focus of Vicari’s leadership is the newly launched mentorship initiative, RISE Derm PA, which stands for Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower. “It is our mentorship program,” she explained, likening it to a matchmaking service. PAs can input their qualities and preferences to connect with mentors who share similar interests. This program aims to foster meaningful mentorship relationships between experienced professionals and those seeking guidance.
Vicari’s enthusiasm extended to the conference sessions, particularly one presented by Dr. Gabriela Maloney, who will discuss the off-label use of JAK inhibitors. Vicari recounted how Maloney had previously visited her office and sparked the idea for this lecture. “I said, ‘Have you ever done a lecture on that? Because that would be amazing.’ So that’s how it all came about,” she noted.
Significance of the SDPA Conference
The SDPA Fall Conference serves as a crucial platform for PAs in dermatology to gain insights, network, and engage with pivotal topics in the field. Vicari urged attendees to take advantage of the various sessions, highlighting the potential for professional growth and collaboration.
For those interested in more detailed discussions and topics presented at the 2025 SDPA Fall Conference, further information is available through the latest conference coverage. The quotes included in this summary have been edited for clarity.
